Transitioning to Middle School Made Easy

If you have a child with Dyslexia, ADHD, or even Autism, you are probably used to helping your child each step of the way. However, as children get into middle school, they are faced with different pressures both social and academic. How do we help our kids transition to middle school and teach them to be independent at the same time?

1. Confirm or create a support system

If your child already has an IEP, the first step would be to have a meeting the Spring BEFORE she starts middle school to discuss any additional supports your child might need as they start middle school.

Be sure to know what supports your child already has, what works, and what doesn’t work.

Have some samples of your child’s work to show their strengths and weaknesses. You can even keep track of how much assistance your child needs during homework. This is a good indication of how much she is retaining from her classes.

Communicate with your child’s teacher and work together for what is best for your child.

Be sure to tell your child what supports will be available to ease any anxiety she might feel about going to a new school.

2. Organize

Children with learning difficulties often have trouble keeping track of their schedule and homework. If your child’s school does not provide a planner or agenda, go out and buy one appropriate for your child. If he has messing handwriting, you might consider buy a planner with big spaces to write assignments and due dates.

Also, create a system for organizing school work. Assign a color for each subject. For example, science’s blue notebook will have a blue folder to keep handouts and assignments.

Put together a daily checklist for before going to school and before coming home. The checklist will help your child see clearly what he needs to take to school and what he needs to complete work at home.

Implement a homework and extra curricular routine to keep your child on track.

Praise your child when he is organized and completes tasks. He will feel encouraged to continue using the methods you have both implemented.

3. Encourage Independence

Teach your child to advocate for herself. If she is supposed to sit in the front row but has been seated in the back, she needs to be able to communicate her needs to the teacher.

Let your child know that you are here to help, but do not do your child’s homework. Let her come to you for questions.

Listen to what your child has to say without judgement. Children are often faced with a variety of new social and academic situations. Nagging or judging will close the lines of communication. Listen and give advice calmly. Let your child know that know matter what the situation, they can always come to you. If she is able to solve a problem on her own, give praise! The more our children can take care of themselves, the more success they will see in school and in life!